Today@Sam Article

New Semester Brings New Facilities, Programs, Events

Jan. 9, 2019
SHSU Media Contact: Hannah Haney

As Sam Houston State University prepares to welcome students for the spring semester, the Department of Student Activities has been busy planning a large number of special events for Welcome Week 2019: Spring Edition, for new and returning Bearkats, Jan. 14-18.

Spring Welcome Week offers an opportunity for departments to introduce, or re-introduce, students to the activities or resources available to them throughout the semester.

“Our ultimate goal of Welcome Week has always been to build a sense of inclusion and belonging amongst all of our students to the university,” Steven Begnaud, assistant director for Traditions & Special Events said. “We want everyone to engage with programs, events and organizations on campus, connect with their peers, and foster Bearkat spirit.”

The vast array of performances, workshops and lectures provide a platform for students to mingle with peers and integrate themselves into the diverse culture and rich history of SHSU.

On Jan. 14 and 15 at 11 a.m. in the Olson Auditorium, the SAM Center, Student Money Management Center, Academic Success Center and Student Success Initiatives will offer an information circuit where students can ask questions and prepare for their upcoming semester. Pizza and prizes will be offered. 

The academic year will launch with the long-awaited, grand opening of the 80,000 square foot Lowman Student Center expansion on Jan. 15 at 11 a.m. with free food, tours, activities, performances and giveaways, which will continue throughout the day. The expansion includes a new Kat Klub, pub, a ballroom, additional restaurants, five meeting rooms and other amenities.

Tuesday, Jan. 16, the first official day of classes, is a big day with an emphasis on student inclusion and networking. First, at 8:30 a.m., students are invited to have breakfast courtesy of the Program Council. They will provide cinnamon rolls, assorted donuts, seasonal fruits and coffee in the LSC Mall area. Then at 10 a.m., the event “Meet the Orange Keys Over Brunch,” allows students the opportunity to mingle with the members of the elite leadership organization. 

“The Orange Keys do so many great things for this campus and it is such an exclusive organization to be a part of,” Begnaud said. “It is awesome to see what students can accomplish and be part of while they are here.”

Later in the day, multiple community mixers will take place at 6 p.m. These events celebrate diversity while also providing students a chance to meet other peers, staff and faculty who share similar experiences and are able to guide one another to programs, organizations and resources.

After the mixers, the day concludes with a men’s basketball game against the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders in the Johnson Coliseum at 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 16, boasts another day filled with food and fun. Starting at 11 a.m. any student that follows @SHSUStuAct on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter will get a free Chick-Fil-A sandwich, while supplies last. In addition to free lunch, Student Activities is also hosting a “Kat Klub Bash” from 5-7 p.m. for those that want to experience all that the new Kat Klub has to offer such as a new eight-lane bowling alley, video games, arcades, a nine-screen video wall and six tournament regulation billiard tables.

Finally, on Friday Jan. 17 after a week of festivities, students will be able to show off their newly acquired or restored school pride on Bearkat Spirit Friday.

A favorite SHSU tradition, the Bearkat Chili Cook-Off, will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 5:30 p.m. this year. Students can enjoy free samples of chili with a valid Bearkat OneCard and help determine the top three places before attending the men’s basketball game versus the McNeese State Cowboys. The game will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Johnson Coliseum and will be televised nationally on ESPN3.

For more information on any of the Welcome Week 2019 events, visit shsu.edu/studentactivities.

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